Coagulation dynamics following thermal injury: effect of heparin and protamine sulfate.

A burned rat model was developed to examine post-burn alterations in coagulation. Fibrin split product concentration, as measured by the staphylococcal clumping test, was noted to rise significantly within the first 24 hours following injury. Prophylactic in vivo systemic anticoagulation with heparin was ineffective in modifying this response. However, systemic administration of protamine sulfate prevented post-burn elevation of fibrin split products. In vitro fibrin split product concentration in burn sera following the addition of heparin and protamine sulfate, was also analyzed. The results of these experiments elucidated the biochemical effects of protamine sulfate on circulating fibrin degradation products in the rat burn model.